“Sekolah Ciputra is not a traditional school, there were lots of practical lessons. I think it’s perfect for budding entrepreneurs.”
DIANA PUSPA DEWI ROYANTO
GRADUATED: 2012
1. After graduating from Sekolah Ciputra, where do you study? What is your major?
Universitas Pelita Harapan Surabaya, majoring in International Business Management.
2. What did you do after graduating from university?
After graduating, I took some time off and I helped my dad out with his family business. I was in charge of the payroll, so I dabbled in HR. I stayed there for a couple of years before working as a digital marketer at Milkwhale, where I started out as a creative writer and branched out into an account manager.
3. What is your current occupation? Please share an overview
I currently work as a marketing specialist at Federal Group, Tasmania, specializing in hospitality. I come from a digital marketing background (worked at an infographic design agency for 5 years) and do all kinds of work in the digital marketing sphere, but now, I mainly do a lot of marketing work that spans from strategizing, content writing, email marketing, and social media content. I also research and plan content depending on the brief. There are a number of brands that I manage and each brand has its own voice and audience. On the side, I’m also an account manager at Milkwhale and have managed a number of clients based in the States.
4. As a marketing specialist and account manager, what are the challenges? How do you overcome it?
As a marketing specialist, it’s a challenge to balance my workload and adapt to the fast-paced nature of the job. It’s a versatile role and I’ve dealt with a lot of different things from dealing with suppliers, planning content, and writing. There’s also a lot of stakeholder management which is something I’m currently getting used to. Writing is also a big challenge because it’s not exactly a measurable skill and it requires a lot of practice. I overcome this by practicing as much as I can, asking for feedback, and taking on anything that is offered to me. Of course, it’s also important to prioritize mental health, so I take on whatever I’m capable of to upskill and do my work better, but if I feel overwhelmed, I will take a step back and take it easy.
Meanwhile as an account manager, there aren’t a lot of challenges that I’ve faced. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed managing projects and connecting with clients. The only challenge would probably be time management since most of the clients I have meetings with are in different time zones. I overcome this by managing my time wisely so I don’t get burnt out.
5. Do you use social media to promote your companies? If yes, please include the link as well
-Federal Group: https://www.federalgroup.com.au/
-Milkwhale: https://www.milkwhale.com and https://www.instagram.com/hello.milkwhale/
6. What was the biggest challenge of moving to a new country?
For me, the biggest challenge was getting used to the culture and mannerisms of a new country. Things are way more organized here and automation is prevalent. People here are more independent. I was so used to Indonesian culture, so being in Tasmania is a bit challenging since I have to adapt to the norms here. The weather is also drastically different than what I’m used to but I’ve acclimated well.
7. What do you enjoy most about your new environment?
There are so many things I enjoy here, but if I could name one thing, it would be the natural landscape. Where else can you witness Southern lights and the beautiful mountains surrounding the town.
8. In what way did Sekolah Ciputra contribute to your jobs right now?
Sekolah Ciputra has contributed so much to my jobs right now. Thanks to the writing exercises the teachers made us do, I’ve fully honed my writing skills. The practical skills they equipped us with also came in handy during university and at work. I’ve used my writing skills for almost every part of my work—whether it’s writing email marketing campaigns or articles, it has come in extremely handy. Another thing that I find super useful is the entrepreneurial values that Sekolah Ciputra passed down to their students. Although it seemed tedious back then, I’m so grateful we were able to be taught by such wonderful teachers.
9. What was the best thing about Sekolah Ciputra? Tell us something memorable from your time at Sekolah Ciputra
There are a few moments that come to mind but if I could recall one thing, it would be the sense of community and friendship between teachers and students– just random funny moments in the classroom. I think those were memorable.
10. What advice would you give to a graduating student?
First of all, you’ll be okay. Secondly, be proactive and get out of your comfort zone while you can. Travel, learn something new, and check something off on your bucket list!
Lastly, as someone who jumped into their family business after graduating, here’s my word of advice: If you have the privilege and freedom to do so, try to work outside of your family businesses and gain real-life experience. It’s a different world out there, but it’s worth exploring.
11. Would you recommend Sekolah Ciputra to others? If yes, what would you say about it?
For sure! Sekolah Ciputra is not a traditional school, there were lots of practical lessons. I think it’s perfect for budding entrepreneurs and those who want to go out into the world prepared. The things they taught us at school were useful and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
12. What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I love exploring the city and doing a bit of sightseeing– museums are my favorite. Other than art, I’ve also grown to love food and cooking. When I’m not in front of a screen, you’ll probably see me exploring local markets, hunting down ingredients in grocery stores, and cooking up a storm in a kitchen somewhere.
13. Anything else you would like to share?
Plan ahead and really think about what you wish to achieve in your life. Whether it’s a career path or a dream you’d like to pursue– try to align it with your plans so it becomes reality. If you’re still figuring out what you want to do in life, it’s alright, but don’t take too long to decide because time waits for no one.
